FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is this blog about and why are you writing it?
Ostensibly I started this blog to comment on and discusses marketing communications best practices and trends. It also provides a place for me to assist my network and colleagues by sharing practical advice, resources and tactical work products I've come across or created.

Why is your blog about impacting the bottom line and doing good? Do I have to choose, or can I have both?
I don’t see these things as being mutually exclusive. Having worked in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors I've observed a few things: Non-profits need to have strong business practices and to be mindful of the bottom line; for-profit companies can learn from the passion that drives the social sector to accomplish inspiring things, often with scant resources.

While for-profit companies may not have a strong explicit social mission they are often extremely fun and dynamic places to work. Non-profits may not have all of the resources of the corporate world but they have an uncanny ability to connect the everyday work to people’s sense of purpose. Both of these things are good for customers; in the end, both sectors are capable of high levels of innovation that allow us to do good in the world–and be financially sustainable while doing so.

What is your professional background and what do you do?
For full details, click on my bio page or take a look at my profile on LinkedIn.

I do a number of things:

Strategic marketing and communications development/execution integrating latest trends in social media for any size organization and budget, company and product brand strategy, strategic/operations planning, client relationship management, vendor and project management, engaging writing/editing that is message appropriate/audience aligned, public speaking, business/budget development and event planning.

Your accent is a little funny, where were you born?
I was born in Liverpool, England. I lived in London for a while before emigrating to the United States, first living in the northeast, then settling in California. I absorbed every accent I met along the way.

You worked in the movie business? Do you meet [insert famous person name here]?No, but I did get to work on some cool stop motion animation and special effects projects. And yes, working in the movies is just as much fun as you think it would be.

You were lost in the snow and had to spend the night in a snow cave? How did you get rescued?
That's a long story. You can read the beginnings of it here. When we get to know each other better, I'll fill you in on how it ends.

What I doI help companies and nonprofit organizations promote their products and activate their communities, thereby reaching their organizational and business goals. You can learn more about me and say hello on Twitter @nzensius.

How I do itWe’re in a steep learning curve with marketing communications these days. I’m fascinated and invigorated by this ever-changing world and stay on top of trends and tools, so I can advise clients why, how and when to use them, in conjunction with traditional marketing methods. I emphasize the importance of measurement, (likes and eyeballs don’t necessarily translate to sales or impact), and branding, as I feel that marketing communications isn't as effective without them.

Whether you’re looking for support with a specific project, or need someone to steward your MarComm efforts, I’m here to help. I excel at both big-picture strategic thinking and rolling up my sleeves to get stuff done.

Why I do itBefore consulting, I headed up Marketing Communications at several organizations over the course of about 15 years. Working in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors–in addition to spending time on the agency side–taught me the following about what I value and what makes work meaningful for me:

•Working with smart, positive, fun people, who work for companies and organizations I admire, that are making the world a better place for all of us•Helping those organizations and companies grow and get better at what they do and those people succeed in their careers•Engaging in projects that challenge us and demand all of our creativity and resourcefulness •Doing honest, authentic work that is devoid of BS •Partnering with other talented consultants to deliver value to our clients•Wearing many hats and learning new things

Being a consultant allows me stay true to my values and to touch/learn from many more people and companies/organizations than I could as an employee.